Potting Shed set for stellar first year

After investing £30,000 into her dream business, green-fingered entrepreneur Sarah Turnbull is reaping the rewards as the Potting Shed looks to turnover £70,000 in its first year.

Young entrepreneur Sarah Turnbull is looking to bring garden product ‘chic’ to the Black Country after launching her dream business in Tettenhall.

Turnbull (30), who has worked in horticulture since she was 17, has opened the Potting Shed in Limes Court selling a range of plants, furniture, ornaments and tools with a difference.

The former Codsall High pupil has invested £30,000 into setting up the business, which also offers general garden services including maintenance, lawn cutting, planting and design ideas.

A number of clients have already signed up and this is pushing her towards a predicted £70,000 turnover in the first year.

“I’ve always been interested in horticulture and have spent a lot of time working at big chain garden centres, an independent in London and studying at Capel Manor College to secure my RHS certificate,” said Sarah, who turned 30 just a few months ago.

“There was always a desire to put all of this experience and knowledge to full use so when we decided to move back to the area I knew the time was right to launch a boutique garden shop.”

She added: “We will hopefully bring something different to the area. We offer products that you won’t find in the big garden centres and the emphasis will be on delivering a very personal service to our clients. There is even a sourcing option if you can’t find what you are looking for in the shop.”

Located in the heart of Tettenhall, The Potting Shed offers a wide range of garden tools, furniture and garden footwear, not to mention a growing selection of pots and plants.

Many have been sourced from ‘on trend’ retailers and include high-profile names such as Kew Botanical, Pure Soaps and Seedball.

Sarah has even managed to secure a deal to become one of the first stockists of SPATS wellies, an accessory popular with a number of UK celebrities.

“We are getting them before the high street and that shows our intent to feature products that are just becoming ‘on trend’,” explained Sarah, who has already enlisted her mom Vicki to join the venture.

“The boutique shop has given us a great base in the local community and it is proving successful in winning more garden services work.

“We have only been open for six weeks, but already have a number of new clients locally.”